(New York) Power hitter and free agent Nick Castellanos has signed a five-year, $100 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, The Associated Press reported early Saturday.
Posted at 9:17 a.m.
The deal would be confirmed once Castellanos successfully undergoes medical examinations.
Castellanos had a stellar season in 2021, maintaining .309/.362/.576 averages with 34 homers and 100 RBIs for the Cincinnati Reds, earning him a first All-Star Game invite and first bat. ‘Money at third base.
The nine-year veteran, who isn’t known for his defensive play, will join outfielder Bryce Harper and receiver TJ Realmuto at the heart of the Phillies’ roster, who also signed power hitter Kyle Schwarber to four-year terms and 80 million earlier this week.
Last November, Castellanos used his opt-out clause to give up the final two seasons of his contract with the Reds, which would have paid him 34 million. The Reds offered him a qualifying offer in December, securing a top pick in the compensatory draft for the loss to Castellanos.
Associated Press reporter Ronald Blum contributed to this article.